Davao Region's Healthcare Referral System Emphasizes Trust and Local Support
In Tagum City, Davao del Norte, the success of the Patient Navigation and Referral Unit (PNRU) hinges on public confidence in rural health units and robust backing from local government units (LGUs). Dr. Meliza Carla T. Agoilo, deputy disaster risk reduction management for health manager at Davao Regional Medical Center (DRMC), highlighted this during a recent radio interview on the Philippine Information Agency's Sayron Ta! Pakigsayod program.
Establishment and Evolution of the Referral System
The PNRU was integrated into DRMC operations during the Covid-19 pandemic, as part of the One Command Hospital System designed to manage the National Patient Navigation and Referral System for Covid patients. Due to its efficient performance, DRMC has been designated by the Department of Health Center for Health Development as the Regional Patient Navigation and Referral Unit in the north. This unit serves as a central hub for patients from Davao del Norte, Davao de Oro, Davao Oriental, and even areas beyond the Davao Region.
Under this system, patients initially receive care at rural health units (RHUs). If a case exceeds the RHU's capacity, it is referred to government primary health care facilities. Davao del Norte supports this with District Hospitals in Kapalong, Carmen, and the Island Garden City of Samal, which handle level one hospital services and facilitate documentation for transfers to DRMC for tertiary-level medical needs.
Challenges and Public Engagement
Dr. Agoilo described the referral pathway as a mechanism to alleviate congestion at tertiary hospitals. She emphasized that challenges persist, but the system is operational. "There will always be challenges, and we are informing the people that there is such a thing as 'referral pathway', where they don't need to go directly to the higher-level hospital because our healthcare system is working. They just need to trust, they have to trust our healthcare system," she stated.
To prevent backtracking in the referral process, Dr. Agoilo advised the public to first contact DRMC for guidance and utilize nearby rural health units, which are equipped to assist in accessing government health services.
Technological Enhancements and Provincial Initiatives
In a separate discussion, Dr. Alfredo Lacerona, Davao del Norte Provincial Health Officer, detailed the DavNor Health Electronic Referral System (DHERS). This digital platform tracks patients from barangays to RHUs and up to primary health care units or district hospitals. "The patient has the choice to be referred to a private hospital or a government hospital," Dr. Lacerona noted, underscoring how the system provides readily available referral data and improves coordination to reduce patient wait times.
He added that RHUs and primary healthcare facilities have been upgraded with necessary facilities, provisions, and personnel in line with Universal Health Care standards. "They have been trained to operate under this referral system. We already have the manual, and we are enhancing it into a digital system, and making it even more efficient because the DRMC wants to departmentalize the system," he explained, indicating that cases will be directed straight to relevant DRMC departments.
Progress and Future Outlook
Reflecting on advancements, Dr. Agoilo remarked, "We have already gone far," in terms of LGU-level healthcare services. She reiterated that the referral system is effective but requires ongoing trust and cooperation from the community. This integrated approach aims to streamline healthcare delivery across the region, ensuring timely and appropriate medical attention for all residents.
